*Sodium Hexametaphosphate — SHMP*
Formula: *(NaPO3)6*
Also called: _Calgon, Glassy phosphate, Graham's salt_
It’s a white, powdery "water softener" chemical used everywhere from food to industry.
# *1. Quick Facts*
**Property** **Detail**
**Chemical name** Sodium Hexametaphosphate
**Formula** (NaPO3)6
**Look** White granular powder or flakes
**Solubility** Very soluble in water
**pH** Slightly alkaline in solution
# *2. How it Works*
SHMP is a *sequestrant + dispersant + antiscalant*.
It grabs onto Ca2+, Mg2+, Fe3+ ions in hard water and keeps them dissolved. So they don’t form scale or stains.
# *3. Main Uses*
1. *Water Treatment* - Antiscalant for RO systems, boilers, cooling towers. Prevents CaCO3 scale
2. *Food Industry* - E452i. Used in cheese, canned fish, meat processing,